How the Minnesota Twins Can Help Royce Lewis Break Out of His Slump

[Cody Christie]

Royce Lewis is in the most prolonged slump of his professional career. Can the Twins find a way to help him bust out?

Image courtesy of © Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Lewis, the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has shown glimpses of the talent that made him a top prospect in the Minnesota Twins organization. After overcoming multiple injuries early in his career, Lewis had a promising start in the big leagues, flashing his power and athleticism. However, like many young players, he has encountered a rough patch, experiencing a slump that has affected his performance at the plate. 

"I pride myself, I told (Twins hitting coach David Popkins), 'Hey, I don't do that slump thing,'" Lewis said on Jun. 19. "That's not a real thing for me. I understand that that's a thing, baseball, you're going to go into a slump or whatever, but for me, I don't have that mindset. It's a new day."

In his 40 games since making that statement, Lewis has hit .214/.279/.429, with 16 extra-base hits and a 42-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio. For the Twins, who are vying for a postseason spot, helping Lewis rediscover his form is crucial. Here are some strategies the Twins can employ to help Royce Lewis break out of his slump.

Focusing on Plate Discipline
One of the common issues young hitters face is plate discipline, especially when they are struggling. In his early major-league appearances, Lewis showcased a good eye for the strike zone, leading to solid on-base numbers. However, as pitchers have adjusted, he may have become more prone to chasing pitches out of the zone. His Whiff% has jumped from 25.0 to 29.4 versus fastballs, and he’s seen a nearly 10% increase in his Whiff% when facing offspeed pitches.

The Twins coaching staff can work with Lewis on recognizing pitches earlier, especially breaking balls and offspeed pitches that have been giving him trouble. Utilizing video analysis to review his at-bats and identifying patterns in his swing decisions can help Lewis make better ones. This approach should improve his on-base percentage and put him in a position to make solid contact, leveraging his power.

Leveraging His Power
Lewis has demonstrated impressive power potential in his limited time with the Twins. During his 2023 season, Lewis hit 15 home runs in just 239 plate appearances, showing he can change the game with one swing. However, his recent slump has seen a decline in his power numbers, suggesting he's struggling to get the barrel of the bat on the ball.

To tap into his power potential, the Twins should encourage Lewis to focus on driving the ball to all fields. By not trying to pull every pitch and instead taking what the pitcher gives him, he can use his natural strength and quick bat speed to hit more line drives. Implementing drills that emphasize staying back on the ball and using the whole field can help Lewis rediscover his power stroke.

Providing Consistent Playing Time
Slumps can be mentally challenging for young players, leading to a loss of confidence. One way to combat this is by providing consistent playing time, allowing the player to work through his struggles. The Twins should commit to giving Lewis regular at-bats, either by continuing to start him or using him in critical situations off the bench.

By keeping him in the lineup, the Twins signal their belief in his abilities, which can be a significant confidence booster. This approach also allows Lewis to make the necessary adjustments in real game situations, rather than trying to fix his issues solely in practice.

Creating a Supportive Environment
A supportive clubhouse environment can make a big difference for a player going through a tough stretch. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli and the coaching staff should continue to foster a positive atmosphere where players feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help. Veteran players can also play a crucial role, offering encouragement and sharing their experiences on how they overcame similar slumps.

Additionally, the Twins can utilize sports psychologists and mental skills coaches to help Lewis manage the mental aspect of the game. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety and improve focus at the plate.

Using Advanced Analytics
In today’s game, data-driven approaches are essential for player development. The Twins can leverage their analytics department to provide Lewis with detailed reports on his swing mechanics, pitch recognition, and opponent tendencies. By understanding how pitchers are attacking him, Lewis can better prepare for at-bats and make the necessary adjustments to counter their strategies.

Lewis has the talent and potential to be a cornerstone player for the Twins. Despite his recent slump, his early career power numbers and flashes of confidence suggest he can be a significant contributor. By focusing on plate discipline, leveraging his power, providing consistent playing time, creating a supportive environment, and using advanced analytics, the Twins can help Lewis break out of his slump and reach his full potential. As the team pushes towards the postseason, a resurgent Lewis could be a game-changer for their success.

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Which solution will help Lewis break out of his slump? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[Whitey333]

Another nice article Cody.  Your solutions are practical.   I would suggest those same principles could apply to anyone in a slump.  Also I would think the Twins are doing this.  It's tough because they need him with Buxton and Correa out.  Buxton and Correa??  Do they still play for the Twins?

[Doctor Gast]

 Lewis normally is a discipline line-drive hitter. It seems that the last injury that Lewis suffered threw off his swing & he picked up some bad habits. Like he did early in his career he needs to find himself & his swing. When asked about moving to 2B he responded uncharacteristically unsure of himself. Maybe that's where he is right now. He's being tested & needs to find a way to maintain his swing. I'm sure it's frustrating for him. As always he'll come out on top.

[tony&rodney]

Number one pick overall in 2017, hit some big home runs last season, and then began this season with flair only to get injured again. Royce Lewis has had difficulty playing baseball for extended periods of time. Whatever challenges are current will likely see his usage continue on the path used thus far this season, where Lewis is best utilized as a DH. The offseason is when Lewis will need to look at his body, approach, and strategies to go into 2025 as an every day player. I'm not expecting big things from Lewis and will be happy if he can play in 24 games to close this season and contribute. I'm a huge fan of Royce Lewis but he is 24 and has very little experience. What is the most consecutive full games for Royce thus far in his career?

[Blyleven2011]

I'm not to worried yet about Lewis  , what I'm worried about is the coaching staff screwing up Lewis ...

 

[LambchoP]

I think they need to stick him at a position like 3rd base and keep him there. No moving him around, except for DH days. Then get him continuous playing time so he can get himself into a groove. All the days off here and there, talk about moving him around the diamond looks to be throwing him off, so simplify it. Go out there at 3rd and play everyday. He'll break out of it, as long as he's healthy. I also think this isn't just Lewis but a whole team problem, it seems like everyone is so pull happy. Nobody tries to go oppo anymore. I don't think I've seen a hit to right field all year from Buxton. Getting back to using the whole field usually sparks a good hot hitting stretch. Would be nice to have our best players on the field for the most important games of the year, but that's a whole other discussion.

[JD-TWINS]

17 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

I think they need to stick him at a position like 3rd base and keep him there. No moving him around, except for DH days. Then get him continuous playing time so he can get himself into a groove. All the days off here and there, talk about moving him around the diamond looks to be throwing him off, so simplify it. Go out there at 3rd and play everyday. He'll break out of it, as long as he's healthy. I also think this isn't just Lewis but a whole team problem, it seems like everyone is so pull happy. Nobody tries to go oppo anymore. I don't think I've seen a hit to right field all year from Buxton. Getting back to using the whole field usually sparks a good hot hitting stretch. Would be nice to have our best players on the field for the most important games of the year, but that's a whole other discussion.

The talk about moving him to 2B, at some point, is 3-4 days old…….his struggles don’t stem from that discussion.

Agreed, Hit the ball the other way and quit trying to be a hero with a home run.

Quit swinging at first pitch breaking balls followed up by taking 2nd pitch fastballs. Look at the video of your last 50 AB’s.

[LambchoP]

7 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

The talk about moving him to 2B, at some point, is 3-4 days old…….his struggles don’t stem from that discussion.

Agreed, Hit the ball the other way and quit trying to be a hero with a home run.

Quit swinging at first pitch breaking balls followed up by taking 2nd pitch fastballs. Look at the video of your last 50 AB’s.

He has a major problem with chasing pitches waaaay outside, then cannot catch up to the high fastball. Not every hit needs to be a home run. From what I've seen, when a guy starts getting hits the other way and up the middle, the home runs usually follow.

[David Maro]

Needs to stop swinging for the downs every at bat.Talk to Jeffers about his 2 strike approach.

[umterp23]

2 strike approach vs long ball happy approach is vital to being a balanced hitter.  2 Strike approach is lacking from him and he needs to adjust as he is in 2 strike mode more often these days.  1st pitch swinging at pitches in the zone don't help either.

Jeffers and others have adopted it, battle to stay alive in at bat and some times good things happen.  Not ideal to be in 2 strike hole in many at bats and others from what I can tell choke up a bit on the bat, look to put ball in play but others swing away.  

Consistency of staying healthy longer than a month at a time keeps you on the field and in form to produce.  Some guys aren't built for the DH position, Buxton being one of them.  At 24 years old, being relegated to DH to keep bat in lineup isn't ideal.

Has raw talent, has overcome injuries to get on the field.  Has to find a way to stay on the field

[Rod Carews Birthday]

This is a good list.  I'm sure all of these things have been or are being tried by the Lewis and the coaches.  If only it were that easy or predictable.  Slumps are crazy things and sometimes the harder players try, the worse it gets -- on the other hand that's the only way out of the slump.  One day he will come to the ballpark and the slump will be over, with seemingly little explanation except the tendency of statistics to regress (or progress) to the mean for the player.

[Riverbrian]

It's not a slump... Royce said earlier this year that he doesn't slump. 😄

[chpettit19]

11 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

It's not a slump... Royce said earlier this year that he doesn't slump. 😄

He said he doesn't do the slump mindset.

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

He said he doesn't do the slump mindset.

So Stephen Colbert and Royce Lewis has the secret to dealing with a slump

 

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, Riverbrian said:

So Stephen Colbert and Royce Lewis has the secret to dealing with a slump

 

You can't prove it doesn't work!

[Riverbrian]

Just now, chpettit19 said:

You can't prove it doesn't work!

I've tried it with my wife when she says I'm slumping around the house

The Black and White Security Camera in our bedroom recorded her reaction. 

[AKTwinsFan]

They could use some new staff PERIOD. There's a lot of wasted potential being squandered by bad hitting/base/pitching staff. 

[chpettit19]

4 minutes ago, AKTwinsFan said:

They could use some new staff PERIOD. There's a lot of wasted potential being squandered by bad hitting/base/pitching staff. 

What should their record be? How many wins did you expect them to get this season?

If I told you Correa and Royce would play 75 games each, Buxton would play 90, and Joe Ryan would miss 2 months how many wins would you have predicted?

[bean5302]

Give him plate appearances. Keep him in a routine instead of telling him to come ready to play catcher. Or hot dog vendor. or 2B. or RF. or pitching coach or ball boy.

[JD-TWINS]

19 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

What should their record be? How many wins did you expect them to get this season?

If I told you Correa and Royce would play 75 games each, Buxton would play 90, and Joe Ryan would miss 2 months how many wins would you have predicted?

Let alone Wallner not contributing until August - Julien doing zero after April - Kirilloff being nowhere near the 117 OPS+ guy of ‘23 - Paddack being out even more than Ryan - Thielbar being close to the DFA line for weeks on end.

With all these obstacles, I doubt many would have predicted even a .500 season. Still sucks to lose after being 17 games over .500 a brief time ago.

Just saw on MLB network PASQUANTINO is out for 6-8 weeks with a broken finger - 4th highest RBI total in baseball……..that levels out the K.C. line-up. That’s areal blow to them!

[bean5302]

Side note, he's going to have to learn he cannot carry the team. The guy needs to learn his limits as a human. I think that pertains to him in the field and at the plate.

I don't think he's totally bought into that yet. Did a heck of a job last year in the playoffs, despite his results vs Houston not being stellar, he was one of 2 hitters who actually made the Astros pitchers throw strikes (Correa, Lewis). The rest of the Twins hitters swung at anything and everything.

[bean5302]

31 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

What should their record be? How many wins did you expect them to get this season?

If I told you Correa and Royce would play 75 games each, Buxton would play 90, and Joe Ryan would miss 2 months how many wins would you have predicted?

In the AL Central of years past? 153.

[chpettit19]

Just now, bean5302 said:

In the AL Central of years past? 153.

Fair.

[joefish]

Hide the levers. 

[thelanges5]

4 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

What should their record be? How many wins did you expect them to get this season?

If I told you Correa and Royce would play 75 games each, Buxton would play 90, and Joe Ryan would miss 2 months how many wins would you have predicted?

Royce, Correa, and Buck have only played 17 games together in 24. Other than these past 10 games, I’d say they’ve been playing pretty well.

[Linus]

5 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I've tried it with my wife when she says I'm slumping around the house

The Black and White Security Camera in our bedroom recorded her reaction. 

You have a camera in your bedroom?  What is your day job?

[bean5302]

Sounds like the Twins are kind of cramming 2B down Lewis' throat.
https://www.mlb.com/news/royce-lewis-gives-twins-second-base-depth

Very well run franchise.

[RpR]

The only one tha can  adjust Lewis , is Lewis.

The only problem with Lewis, is Lewis.

[tony&rodney]

When I think of Royce Lewis I just wonder how he is handling everything that comes his way.

I don't know him and all the media portrays him as this hard working, fun loving, kind, humble, and determined super athlete.

He is 25 years old and has been injured quite often, which means his level of experience puts him back quite a bit. Yet, the expectations for Royce seem larger than reasonable.

Baseball is largely a game where one must contain one's thoughts and direct physical energy in a controlled fashion directed by the specific scenarios that unfold while playing a game. 

Lewis comes off as positive but how is he dealing with everything?